Still Hunting Techniques

One of the most exciting things about hunting is that there are many ways to do it. There are also many different weapons and methods that can be employed in hunting. This may be one of the reasons why hunting still is a very popular sport in America despite the apparent dangers that come with it.

Still hunting is deemed to be one of the most difficult ways to hunt. It involves a lot of stamina and of course, a lot of patience. However, if it is mastered, it can be a very productive way to hunt your game.

What is still hunting?

Still hunting, as the name implies, involves slow movements through the cover. It involves stopping every once in a while so as not to disturb the senses of the animal being hunted. Its ultimate goal is to be able to get within a target range to make the kill. Some people might actually think of it as taking a very slow walk while hunting, but in reality it is so much more than that. It takes a lot of familiarity with the area, a lot of patience in making movements and a lot of passion to be able to make the kill.

This article tries to look at the different measures that one must undertake to successfully make a kill when still hunting. Here are some of these tips:

1) Schedule your hunt

Still hunting can be done any time, however, just like any other method, there are certain times when still hunting can deliver the best results for a hunter. Still hunting is best done during windy or rainy days. These types of weather make a prey, especially deer, move slowly and cautiously. They are usually lying down and rarely move during these times.

A very hot day can also be a good time to make a still hunt. Deer eat only during sunrise and sunset, which decreases the chance of a hunter to legally hunt using a stand. He just as well go out and still hunt during the hot summer days.

2) Location

When a hunter is still hunting, he should go to the places that he considers remote. These remote areas are rarely being used by other hunters and this will increase the chance of a still hunter to making a kill. Another important advantage of going to remote areas is that most of the time, when prey is being hunted too much in a specific area, they tend to move to areas which are not yet being hunted. This provides more opportunities for a still hunter.

3) Following tracks

Like a skilled predator, a still hunter must be able to use the different elements that were left behind by his prey; the most common of these elements is the foot tracks. In still hunting, it is very important to look at tracks and if a set is found the hunter should cautiously follow the track, especially a fresh one.

4) Move with the wind

Moving with the wind is a hard skill to master, but it will deliver results because it will allow a hunter to move around without disturbing the senses of the prey.

5) Movement around the area

If you are finding it hard to look for fresh tracks or other elements that may have been left behind by the prey, you can move through the woods using a fan-shaped direction, moving back and forth. This will allow you to effectively cover a larger area in the smallest amount of time.

6) Mind your motions

Being patient is one of the key factors in still hunting. You must be able to control your movements so that your steps make no sound and to move like the wind. Unnecessary movements such as coughing or scratching can trigger other sounds which will be heard by the prey.

7) Steps

In still hunting, a general rule of thumb should be practiced - take 3 steps and stop. When a still hunter stops while walking, he must be able to survey the area including the ground that he will be stepping on to avoid making unnecessary noise.

These are some of the basic steps to be used when making a still hunt. First time still hunters can be disheartened by the amount of skill and patience that is necessary when still hunting. They must remember that practice is the foundation of success and they should keep on trying.